In a week of both grieving and shock, Latter-day Saints show that they believe what they have been taught about being peacemakers and having hope in Christ. It has been a bitter irony to lose President Nelson and have a shooter claim victims at our Michigan congregation within a 24-hour period, yet beyond the different pains thrust upon us with these events is this underlying certainty that the Lord has overcome all, and we are safe in our faith.
In that spirit, we share two videos with you. First, is an interview with Bishop Jeffrey Schaub of the Grand Blanc, Michigan ward, who was on the stand when a truck came crashing into the building on Sunday.
He says, “I know the people around the world are praying for our word and our families, and I am so grateful for that. It is the most significant time of my life when I have felt the love and prayer of other people.”
When he came home late last night, “we had dozens of notes and packages and meals and food and treats, waiting for us. members of football teams, baseball teams, basketball teams, and music had reached out to make sure that our family was okay. It was. very humbling to see how much good there is in the world today, and that above all, we are all children of the same Father in heaven, and we love each other.”
He said, “I know that through our Savior Jesus Christ, we can find joy again. I know that with His help, there can be healing. And I know as we focus on Him, we can have joy.”
Families Mourn Victims of Grand Blanc Shootings
The following report is from WXYZ-TV Detroit and is most interesting because it gives details about some of the victims of the shooting, including an account written by the daughter of one of the victims.
Reporters describe the remarkable forgiveness the daughter extends to the shooter in her account. “In it, the victim’s daughter, who was also at the church, describes locking eyes with the shooter, a 40-year-old war veteran, Thomas Sanford, and thought his eyes were blue, but later realized she was seeing her own reflection in his.
She writes in part, ‘When he came over to me, I felt very calm, peaceful, even as I knelt next to my dad, my hand still on Dad. It felt like a long time staring into his eyes while answering his question. The only way I can describe it is that I saw into his soul. I never took my eyes off his eyes. Something happened.
I saw pain. He felt lost. I deeply felt it with every fiber of my being.
I forgave him. I forgave him right there. Not in words, but with my heart.’
The letter ends with a plea to all of us. Drop the anger and hate because they only fuel more harm. Even small changes in the way we talk to each other can help make the world a better place.”
